Giving Thanks

There are two more days till Thanksgiving. I am feeling the emotions of it, have been for a couple weeks. This time last year Dale was really sick. He spent most of his days sleeping. He got up only to have part of a Popsicle or a trip to the bathroom.

The kids all came to be with us for Thanksgiving. Wee Man was just a month old, and our sole comfort and enjoyment that day. He could do no tricks, but smile, and that was enough for us. We all took turns holding him and whispering to him. We needed to be quiet as Dale's sense of hearing was so sensitive, the slightest sounds cause him discomfort. So, the kids and I spent 2 days in the family room with the door shut, being as quiet as we could. It was relatively easy as none of us were in a festive mood. We had our dinner and watched movies to pass our time.

I ached in my soul as I went between family room and our bedroom, trying to bring comfort to each. Reassuring Dale we were all fine, reassuring the kids that their Papa was fine. I was fooling no one. It was a heavy atmosphere, save the sweet tender smiles and coos of Wee Man. How timely his birth!

At one point Dale got up to speak to the kids. It was like Jacob speaking to his sons. He spoke to the kids as a group and then he spoke to the boys. He gave a charge to the son in laws to take care of their wives, and Autumn and I. His weak, thin body was overtaken by his passion for the Lord, in instructing others His truth. This was Dale's last sermon in a sense. It was powerful.

I don't write this to be maudlin, but as an intro, long it may be, to say how very thankful I am for my wonderful son in laws, who have heeded the counsel and charge of their father in law in the task given them. I am thankful that they are men of God, the heads and spiritual leaders of their homes, love their wives, and how Superman is raising his son. That is the greatest gift they could give in honoring Dale. I am thankful too, how they have stepped up to the plate in seeing to my needs, tasks and projects around the house, inside and out. Their willingness to help, mostly for their love and hugs. They are good men.

I am grateful too for my wonderful, loving daughters who have been my rock many a time, even in the midst of their own grief. They have loved me well, and their Papa would be very proud of them.

The Lord is faithful, merciful and so kind. I am blessed.